Paraglides fight for starting places: Why the Zollernalbkreis is still standing still

Paraglides fight for starting places: Why the Zollernalbkreis is still standing still

What would the enchanting Zollernalbkreis be without its majestic mountains? In this idyllic region, where mountain bikers explore the beauty of nature over the hills and hikers, one should think that paraglider can also realize their dream of flying. But appearance is deceptive! The reality is anything but rosy for the approximately 200 passionate paraglider.

In the entire circle there is only a slope above Hausen in the Killertal, where an idyllic start without a cable win is possible. With winchs there are just two more places in Burladingen. But even these barren options are bound to strict wind conditions! In the case of north wind it means "lift", against west wind, on the other hand: on to Allgäu!

Serious consequences for the paraglider

This desolate situation has far-reaching consequences: not only do the long approaches contradict the ambitious goals of paragliders to climate neutrality, they also lead to passionate pilots permanently pull away from the region! "Four people have already left the Zollernalbkreis to live in better air areas," reports Michael Landmann, a committed member of the paraglider club Zollernalb. A clear wake -up call!

The members want nothing more than "starting on foot on one of our mountains and flying over our wonderful home". But the hurdles are high: "There are enormous approval procedures in which many institutions are involved," said Landmann. Nature conservation authorities and forestry offices have to agree, and that takes time. Although the city of Albstadt has generally reacted positively, hope for more starting places remains uncertain.

Potentials Unused

A paraglider-friendly Zollernalbkreis would not only delight pilots, but also set economic impulses. Tandem flights could attract tourists, and "flying skilled workers" such as doctors and engineers could bind to the region. Landmann is optimistic and open to suggestions for new starting areas, even if the path to success remains rocky. Because the dream of flying over the domestic landscape shines brightly in the hearts of paraglider!